Level 1 Intro to Canyoneering

, Learning Canyoneering, Epic One AdventuresThis 3 day intro to canyoneering provides students with the basic personal canyoneering skills needed to descend easy canyons as team members with competent leaders and mentors. Whether this is your first experience canyoneering or you would like to improve and hone the skills you already possess, this is a perfect class for you. Upon completion of this course, you will have the knowledge and skill to safely descend canyons as a contributing member of the group.
Prerequisite: None Required

Required Gear:

  • Harness
  • Helmet
  • Rappel Device
  • Totem or Figure 8 for Rigging
  • Gloves
  • Safety Tether
  • 6-8 HMS Carabiners
  • 48” sling or Foot Loop
  • VT prusik
  • Ascending Tools
  • 20’ Cordelette
  • Appropriate Shoes and Pack

Topics Covered:

  • Advanced Knots & Hitches
  • Advanced Anchor Systems
  • Releasable, Transient, and Artificial, Anchors
  • Advanced Rope Deployment
  • Advanced Rope Management for Traverses, Hand Lines, and Re-Belays
  • Guided Rappels
  • Re-Directs and Deviations
  • Various Ascending Methods and Transitions
  • Converting from Rappelling to Ascending
  • Pothole Escape Techniques
  • Basic Mechanical Advantage
  • Group Dynamics

Level 2 Technical Canyoneering

, Learning Canyoneering, Epic One AdventuresTechnical Canyoneering provides students with the intermediate anchor, rigging and on-rope skills needed to become a contributing team member with competent leaders and mentors. Escape potholes, safely navigate multi-pitch rappels, ascend ropes, and much more. By the end of this course you will posses all the fundamental skills necessary to tackle more difficult and technical canyons. This course also lays the foundation for the Advanced Canyoneering and Canyon Rescue courses.
Prerequisite: Intro to Canyoneering or possess the skills detailed in the ACA Level 1 Checklist

Required Gear:

  • Harness
  • Helmet
  • Rappel Device
  • Totem or Figure 8 for Rigging
  • Gloves
  • Safety Tether
  • 6-8 HMS Carabiners
  • 48” sling or Foot Loop
  • VT prusik
  • Ascending Tools
  • 20’ Cordelette
  • Appropriate Shoes and Pack

Topics Covered:

  • Logistics and Safety
  • Leave No Trace Ethics
  • Rope and Equipment Care
  • Basic Knots, Bends and Hitches
  • Communication, Ethics, Courtesy
  • Canyoneering Gear Choices and Requirements
  • Belays and Hand Lines
  • Natural and Artificial Anchors
  • Static and Contingency Riggings
  • Rope Management
  • Canyoneering Specific Rappelling Techniques
  • Basic Down Climbing Skills
  • Introduction to Basic Pothole Escape Methods
  • Safety Checking and Basic Self-Rescue

Level 3 Advanced Canyoneering

Take the lead on your next adventure. Advanced Canyoneering provides students with the advanced rigging skills needed to become effective problem-solvers for most canyon problems. In addition gain the confidence to take friends, family, kids, or anyone less experienced on your next canyoneering trip. Learn to manage the unique challenges that come with leading a group.
Prerequisite: Technical Canyoneering Course and Advanced Canyoneering or proficiency in the skills taught in the ACA Checklist Level 1 and 2 before taking this class.

Required Gear:

  • Harness
  • Helmet
  • Rappel Device
  • Totem or Figure 8 for Rigging
  • Gloves
  • Safety Tether
  • 6-8 HMS Carabiners
  • 48” sling or Foot Loop
  • VT prusik
  • Ascending Tools
  • 20’ Cordelette
  • Appropriate Shoes and Pack

Topics Covered:

  • Group Gear Selection and Management
  • Efficiently Moving Large Groups Through Canyons
  • Static Courtesy Rappels
  • Dynamic Courtesy Rappels
  • Lowering Systems
  • Pre-Rigging Rappels and Rigging Kids for Rappel
  • Protecting Ropes from Sharp Edges
  • Top Belays, Hand Lines, Sequencing
  • Rappelling and Ascending past Knots
  • Converting a Static Block to a Lowering System
  • How to Manage Rope Damage
  • Improvised Harness for Emergencies
  • Multi-Pitch Rappels
  • Simultaneous Rappel
  • Advanced Friction Options

Level 4 Canyon Rescue

Canyon Rescue provides students with companion rescue skills needed to become self-sufficient problem-solvers for most canyon problems. You will learn how to react when things don’t go according to plan.
Prerequisite: Formal canyoneering training or significant experience. While not required, we recommend taking Intro to Canyoneering, Technical Canyoneering, and Advanced Canyoneering prior to this course. You should have a basic mastery of the ACA Checklist Levels 1, 2, and 3 before taking this class.

Required Gear:

  • Harness
  • Helmet
  • Rappel Device
  • Totem or Figure 8 for Rigging
  • Gloves
  • Safety Tether
  • 6-8 HMS Carabiners
  • 48” sling or Foot Loop
  • VT prusik
  • Ascending Tools
  • 20’ Cordelette
  • Appropriate Shoes and Pack

Topics Covered:

  • Knots, Rope Grabs, & Progress Capture
  • Rescue Anchors and Rigging
  • Haul Systems
  • Mechanical Advantage
  • Converting Static Rigging to Haul or Lower
  • Assisted & Tandem Rappels
  • Hero Rescue, Balancier Lift
  • Rappelling on a Tensioned Rope
  • Guide Ropes, Tag Lines, Belays
  • Cut-and-Lower Procedures
  • Special Ascending Techniques for Rescue
  • Pick-Off Procedures
  • Considerations for Musculoskeletal Injuries

If you’re interested in learning canyoneering with our professionals, call today 888-517-3742